What we do?
UnLocal’s Post Order Defense Team works with non-citizens who
- Have a removal order and are either already detained
- Have risk of detention and deportation by ICE.
We use a comprehensive approach combining legal representation, social work support, and community education and advocacy to best represent each client. The Post Order Defense Team works as part of New York’s Rapid Response Legal Collaborative, which encompasses UnLocal, Make the Road New York, and the New York Legal Assistance Group.


At this time we do not have the capacity for universal representation. In order for us to consider your case you must:
Have a removal order
You can find out if you have a removal order by entering your “A” number here
Be at imminent risk of detention and/or deportation
- You have ICE check-ins and no pending appeals nor pending applications OR.
- You have been detained by ICE and don’t have a stay of removal. Check where your loved one is detained here.
- If you have had interactions with law enforcement that resulted in your arrest the likelihood of ICE detention increases.
To request an intake with our team please fill out the online initial referral form here.
Resources
- For information on how to help your loved one please read our online resource guide here.
- For information on how to reach your loved one’s Deportation Officer and other useful knowledge, see our Manual for Migrants Impacted by Detention in New York.
- For information on specific detention centers in New Jersey and New York, such as contact and visitation information, please click here
- Arab-American Family Support Center
- The Door (for young people between the ages of 12-24)
- Henry Street Settlement
- The Institute for Family Health
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center
- Libertas Center for Human Rights (for survivors of torture)
- Postgraduate Center for Mental Health
- The Puerto Rican Family Institute
- The Queer Detainee Empowerment Project
- Safe Horizon
- Sanctuary for Families
- Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families
- Reasonable Fear Interview (RFI) & Reasonable Fear Review (when an RFI is denied)
- Guerrero Sanchez bond hearing
- Motion to Reopen before the Immigration Court
- Motion to Reopen before the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Fraihat request
- Humanitarian parole request with ICE
- Habeas petitions relating to prolonged detention
- Application for work authorization for those under an Order of Supervision
- Social work advocacy: referrals to essential services and resources, supportive counseling around clients’ immigration system involvement, post-release planning, and transitional socio-emotional support for recently released clients
- Arrangement of bond payments by sponsoring non-profit organizations
- Know Your Rights trainings and materials
- Supporting community advocacy
- Engagement with coalitions within NY State and nationally to abolish ICE, detention, E-carceration (i.e. ankle monitoring), and campaigns to #FreeThemAll